24. From Ponferrada to Villafranca del Bierzo

Today is an easier camino as the total distance to be walked is 23,3 kilometers. You will mostly pass through a wine region, the Bierzo today and if you can, the local wine is excellent so tasting it is a good idea.

Upon leaving Ponferrada you will pass through the suburb village of Compostilla, a former mining town, followed by Columbrianos.

Fuentes Nuevas and Camponaraya are two other villages that are very close to each other.

Cacabelos is a bigger town where it might be worth to stop to visit the Archaeological Museum as well as the Iglesia de Santa Maria de la Plaza.

Pieros and Valtuille de Arriba are the two next villages you will encounter on your way before getting to Villafranca del Bierzo, a medium sized town with a population of over 5,000.

The Church of Santiago Villafranca built in the 12th century is impressive and its northern door is called the door of forgiveness. Pilgrims who can’t continue their journey due to illness are granted the same indulgences as if they have reached the Cathedral in Santiago.